'He waka eke noa' - 'We're all in this together'
We currently have 143 students on our Special Needs Register. Our Special Needs Committee meet twice a term to discuss and plan for the needs of these children. This meeting brings together our specialist and agencies along with our Team Leaders and SLT to ensure that there is a holistic and collaborative approach to seeking the best outcomes for our ākonga. During 2024 we received a number of very high needs children which required a great deal of support, advocacy and resource to ensure they are well catered for. Once again we have worked hard with MOE to ensure a smooth transition, with a clear plan in place for these students. This is an area that still needs support and development so that we have the right resources in place to give our tamariki the best start to Primary School.
There are a myriad of people who continue to have input and work with us to help provide the various supports that are needed so that our tamariki can be well cared for and in every aspect of their Hauora.
We are blessed to have the services of our SWiS who has made valuable connections with our tamariki and whanau. He has walked alongside many children and whanau supporting them and often providing a link between home and the classroom. He is flexible and responsive to the complexities.
We continued to have our MOE Counsellor in Schools Programme continue. This means we have had a good number of children having access to this Arts Therapy Programme. This has included some group sessions to build social skills and engagement. We are grateful to have access to this valuable resource.
Tamaki Community Development Trust (TCDT) have continued to serve as Family Workers, Mentors and Counsellors for our tamariki and whanau. It is wonderful to have a local Community Organisation to engage with. As an extra this year they have taken on running our Breakfast Club ensuring that our kids start the day nourished, supported and ready for learning. We are exceptionally grateful for this.
Our PHNs continue to respond to the varying Health needs that they have referred to them and are always quick to respond and follow up these cases.
Chris Bush (RTLB) has once again been integral to our support and care of our kids with Learning and Behaviour Needs, liaising with both whānau and agencies. She provides advice and guidance and continues to go above and beyond for our kids.
The Child Support Workers have continued to provide support for some of our children returning to school after periods of absence as it is an ongoing challenge for teachers to catch our akonga up when they have had periods of absence.
As always we will continue to be guided by the principles of 'Te Whare Tapa Wha' and the Mitey 'Mana Model' as we move forward in this space to ensure that each and every one of our akonga and their whanau feel well supported and connected and provisioned for at school.
’It takes a Village’
To ensure our staff continue to build connections with our whanau and for us to continue encouraging and empowering them to be the first point of contact walking alongside them with this as necessary.
To continue to create connections with our local Pre-School providers so that we can identify needs early and have the necessary supports in place when they arrive at school.
Continue to ensure that the ‘highest needs’ children are monitored effectively and early contact is made with whanau to involve them in the partnership.
Continue to be proactive rather than reactive.
Explore ideas to drive our 'Strive for Five' kaupapa.
Toni Nua
December 2024